Law report

Would anyone be surprised if every UKIP MEP was in court for some reason or other by the end of the year?

First, there's the alleged housing benefit fraud, then the attempt to get a publication by Richard Corbett and Britain in Europe pulped for saying nasty things about them, then Kilroy suing someone over an old Chris Morris piece and now an allegation of sexual harrassment against Godfrey 'dirty fridges' Bloom.

Last night Mr Bloom denied indulging in any sexual harassment, specifically rejecting the claim that he touched the student's leg, and said he would consult lawyers on the issue. He added: "I was not sitting at her table. My wife was at the dinner, there was no impropriety. The whole thing is complete and total nonsense. It has been concocted. She is following a political agenda. It was a grotesque abuse of hospitality."

However he did not deny making all the comments cited and, when asked if he had said "big tits, very feisty", Mr Bloom replied: "Possibly".